Strike while the iron is hot. If you strike while the iron is hot you do something when things are going well for you and you have a good chance to succeed. International english | subject area: To strike while the iron is hot is to act decisively and take an opportunity when it arises. What's the origin of the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot'? This old proverb clearly alludes to the imagery of the blacksmith or farrier at his forge. Strike while the iron is hot is an idiom meaning to take advantage of an opportunity or situation which can be beneficial and is not going to last longer. The phrase “strike while the iron is hot” can be applied to many different situations in life. It could refer to taking advantage of a job offer or promotion, pursuing a romantic interest, investing in stocks when they’re low, or even starting your own business. If you strike while the iron is hot, you act quickly, while there is the best chance of succeeding at something. This is the week to get plans off the ground. It's time to strike while the iron is hot. Strike while the iron is hot. Add to word list. To take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it exists, in case the opportunity goes away and does not return: Strike while the iron is hot means to act promptly or decisively when a favorable opportunity presents itself. For example, when new job postings surfaced in my school district, i struck while the iron was hot. I applied right away, securing the job i coveted. Strike while the iron is hot meaning. The idiom strike while the iron is hot means that it's a good time to take advantage of an opportunity or to do something when conditions are favorable. This phrase suggests that if you don't act quickly, the opportunity may pass by and become unavailable. If you want to succeed, you need to strike while the iron is hot. He decided to invest in the stock market and strike while the iron is hot. The team knew they had to act quickly and strike while the iron is hot to secure the deal. Strike while the iron is hot meaning. To take action when there is a good opportunity or favorable circumstances. Origin of strike while the iron is hot. This expression refers to blacksmithing. A blacksmith must hit the iron (or other metal) when it is hot in order to shape it. This idiom has existed in english since at least the.